Bill Text: AZ HB2601 | 2015 | Fifty-second Legislature 1st Regular | Introduced


Bill Title: Firearms; background checks; release conditions.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-03-31 - Referred to House RULES Committee [HB2601 Detail]

Download: Arizona-2015-HB2601-Introduced.html

 

 

 

REFERENCE TITLE: firearms; background checks; release conditions.

 

 

 

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-second Legislature

First Regular Session

2015

 

 

HB 2601

 

Introduced by

Representatives Friese, Mach, Steele: Andrade, Gabaldón, Wheeler

 

 

AN ACT

 

amending section 13-3101, Arizona Revised Statutes; Amending title 13, chapter 31, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 13‑3122; amending section 13‑3967, Arizona Revised Statutes; amending title 44, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding chapter 36; relating to firearms.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 


Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1.  Section 13-3101, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:

START_STATUTE13-3101.  Definitions

A.  In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

1.  "Deadly weapon" means anything that is designed for lethal use.  The term includes a firearm.

2.  "Deface" means to remove, alter or destroy the manufacturer's serial number.

3.  "Explosive" means any dynamite, nitroglycerine, black powder, or other similar explosive material, including plastic explosives.  Explosive does not include ammunition or ammunition components such as primers, percussion caps, smokeless powder, black powder and black powder substitutes used for hand loading purposes.

4.  "Firearm" means any loaded or unloaded handgun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun or other weapon that will expel, is designed to expel or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive. Firearm does not include a firearm in permanently inoperable condition.

5.  "Improvised explosive device" means a device that incorporates explosives or destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic or incendiary chemicals and that is designed to destroy, disfigure, terrify or harass.

6.  "Occupied structure" means any building, object, vehicle, watercraft, aircraft or place with sides and a floor that is separately securable from any other structure attached to it, that is used for lodging, business, transportation, recreation or storage and in which one or more human beings either are or are likely to be present or so near as to be in equivalent danger at the time the discharge of a firearm occurs.  Occupied structure includes any dwelling house, whether occupied, unoccupied or vacant.

7.  "Prohibited possessor" means any person:

(a)  Who has been found to constitute a danger to self or to others or to have a persistent or acute disabilities disability or grave disabilities disability pursuant to court order pursuant to section 36‑540, and whose right to possess a firearm has not been restored pursuant to section 13‑925.

(b)  Who has been convicted within or without this state of a felony or who has been adjudicated delinquent for a felony and whose civil right to possess or carry a gun or firearm has not been restored.

(c)  Who is at the time of possession serving a term of imprisonment in any correctional or detention facility.

(d)  Who is at the time of possession serving a term of probation pursuant to a conviction for a domestic violence offense as defined in section 13‑3601 or a felony offense, parole, community supervision, work furlough, home arrest or release on any other basis or who is serving a term of probation or parole pursuant to the interstate compact under title 31, chapter 3, article 4.1.

(e)  Who is an undocumented alien or a nonimmigrant alien traveling with or without documentation in this state for business or pleasure or who is studying in this state and who maintains a foreign residence abroad.  This subdivision does not apply to:

(i)  Nonimmigrant aliens who possess a valid hunting license or permit that is lawfully issued by a state in the United States.

(ii)  Nonimmigrant aliens who enter the United States to participate in a competitive target shooting event or to display firearms at a sports or hunting trade show that is sponsored by a national, state or local firearms trade organization devoted to the competitive use or other sporting use of firearms.

(iii)  Certain diplomats.

(iv)  Officials of foreign governments or distinguished foreign visitors who are designated by the United States department of state.

(v)  Persons who have received a waiver from the United States attorney general.

(f)  Who has been found incompetent pursuant to rule 11, Arizona rules of criminal procedure, and who subsequently has not been found competent.

(g)  Who is found guilty except insane.

(h)  Who is subject to an order of protection that was issued pursuant to section 13‑3602 that prohibits the person from possessing a firearm and that was issued after a hearing for which the person received actual notice and in which the person had an opportunity to participate.

8.  "Prohibited weapon":

(a)  Includes the following:

(i)  An item that is a bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces or mine and that is explosive, incendiary or poison gas.

(ii)  A device that is designed, made or adapted to muffle the report of a firearm.

(iii)  A firearm that is capable of shooting more than one shot automatically, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.

(iv)  A rifle with a barrel length of less than sixteen inches, or shotgun with a barrel length of less than eighteen inches, or any firearm that is made from a rifle or shotgun and that, as modified, has an overall length of less than twenty‑six inches.

(v)  An instrument, including a nunchaku, that consists of two or more sticks, clubs, bars or rods to be used as handles, connected by a rope, cord, wire or chain, in the design of a weapon used in connection with the practice of a system of self‑defense.

(vi)  A breakable container that contains a flammable liquid with a flash point of one hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or less and that has a wick or similar device capable of being ignited.

(vii)  A chemical or combination of chemicals, compounds or materials, including dry ice, that is possessed or manufactured for the purpose of generating a gas to cause a mechanical failure, rupture or bursting or an explosion or detonation of the chemical or combination of chemicals, compounds or materials.

(viii)  An improvised explosive device.

(ix)  Any combination of parts or materials that is designed and intended for use in making or converting a device into an item set forth in item (i), (vi) or (viii) of this subdivision.

(b)  Does not include:

(i)  Any fireworks that are imported, distributed or used in compliance with state laws or local ordinances.

(ii)  Any propellant, propellant actuated devices or propellant actuated industrial tools that are manufactured, imported or distributed for their intended purposes.

(iii)  A device that is commercially manufactured primarily for the purpose of illumination.

9.  "Trafficking" means to sell, transfer, distribute, dispense or otherwise dispose of a weapon or explosive to another person, or to buy, receive, possess or obtain control of a weapon or explosive, with the intent to sell, transfer, distribute, dispense or otherwise dispose of the weapon or explosive to another person.

B.  The items set forth in subsection A, paragraph 8, subdivision (a), items (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) of this section do not include any firearms or devices that are registered in the national firearms registry and transfer records of the United States treasury department or any firearm that has been classified as a curio or relic by the United States treasury department. END_STATUTE

Sec. 2.  Title 13, chapter 31, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 13-3122, to read:

START_STATUTE13-3122.  Licensed firearm dealer sales or transfers; background checks; classification

A.  A person may not sell or transfer a firearm unless the person is a licensed firearms dealer, the purchaser or transferee is a licensed firearms dealer or a licensed firearms dealer facilitates the transfer pursuant to subsection B of this section.

B.  If neither party to a prospective firearms sale or transfer is a licensed firearms dealer, the parties to the transaction shall complete the sale or transfer through a licensed firearms dealer in the following manner:

1.  The seller or other transferor shall deliver the firearm to the dealer who shall retain possession of the firearm until all legal requirements for the sale or transfer have been met.  The dealer shall process the sale or transfer as if the dealer were the seller or transferor. The dealer shall comply with all requirements of federal, state and local law that would apply if the dealer was the seller or transferor of the firearm.

2.  The dealer shall conduct a background check on the purchaser or transferee pursuant to 18 United States Code section 922(t) and state and local law.  If the transaction is not prohibited, the dealer shall deliver the firearm to the purchaser or transferee after all other legal requirements are met.

3.  If the dealer cannot legally deliver the firearm to the purchaser or transferee, the dealer shall conduct a background check on the seller or transferor pursuant to 18 United States Code section 922(t) and, if the return is not prohibited, return the firearm to that person.

4.  If the dealer cannot legally return the firearm to the seller or transferor, the dealer, within twenty-four hours, shall deliver the firearm to the nearest law enforcement agency.

5.  The dealer may require the purchaser or transferee to pay a fee of not to exceed twenty dollars that covers the administrative costs incurred by the dealer for facilitating the transfer of the firearm, including any applicable fees pursuant to federal, state or local law.

C.  This section does not apply to any of the following:

1.  A law enforcement agency in this state, the state department of corrections and any peace officer or corrections officer who is acting within the course and scope of the officer's employment or official duties.

2.  A United States marshal, a member of the armed forces of the United States or the national guard or a federal official transferring or receiving a firearm as required in the operation of the official duties.

3.  A gunsmith who receives a firearm solely for the purpose of service or repair.

4.  A common carrier, warehouseman or other person who is engaged in the business of transportation or storage, to the extent that the receipt of any firearm is in the ordinary course of business and not for personal use by the person.

5.  A person who is loaned a firearm solely for the purpose of target shooting if the loan occurs on the premises of a shooting range and the firearm is at all times kept within the premises of the shooting range.

6.  A person who is under eighteen years of age, who is loaned a firearm for lawful hunting or sporting purposes or for any other lawful recreational activity and who is allowed to possess a firearm pursuant to section 13‑3111.

7.  A person who is at least eighteen years of age and who is loaned a firearm while the person is accompanying the lawful owner and using the firearm for lawful hunting or sporting purposes or for any other lawful recreational activity.

8.  A person who is not a prohibited possessor and who acquired the firearm by operation of law on the death of the former owner of the firearm.

9.  The sale or transfer of an antique firearm.  For the purposes of this paragraph, "antique firearm" means a firearm or replica of a firearm not designed or redesigned for using rim fire or conventional center fire ignition with fixed ammunition and manufactured in or before 1898, including any matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap or similar type of ignition system and also any firearm using fixed ammunition manufactured in or before 1898, for which ammunition is no longer manufactured in the United States and is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.

10.  A firearm transfer that is a bona fide gift between any combination of immediate family members.  For the purposes of this paragraph, "immediate family members" means spouses, domestic partners, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, first cousins, aunts and uncles.

11.  A temporary transfer of a firearm if the transfer is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to the person to whom the firearm is transferred if both of the following apply:

(a)  The temporary transfer only lasts as long as immediately necessary to prevent the imminent death or great bodily harm.

(b)  The person to whom the firearm is transferred is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.

D.  A person who violates this section is guilty of a class 5 felony. END_STATUTE

Sec. 3.  Section 13-3967, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:

START_STATUTE13-3967.  Release on bailable offenses before trial; definition

A.  At his appearance before a judicial officer, any person who is charged with a public offense that is bailable as a matter of right shall be ordered released pending trial on his own recognizance or on the execution of bail in an amount specified by the judicial officer.

B.  In determining the method of release or the amount of bail, the judicial officer, on the basis of available information, shall take into account all of the following:

1.  The views of the victim.

2.  The nature and circumstances of the offense charged and any evidence that the defendant poses a danger to the safety of others in the community, including the results of a domestic violence risk or lethality assessment.

3.  The weight of evidence against the accused.

4.  The accused's family ties, employment, financial resources, character and mental condition.

5.  The results of any drug test submitted to the court.

6.  Whether the accused is using any substance if its possession or use is illegal pursuant to chapter 34 of this title. 

7.  Whether the accused violated section 13‑3407, subsection A, paragraph 2, 3, 4 or 7 involving methamphetamine or section 13‑3407.01.

8.  The length of residence in the community.

9.  The accused's record of arrests and convictions.

10.  The accused's record of appearance at court proceedings or of flight to avoid prosecution or failure to appear at court proceedings.

11.  Whether the accused has entered or remained in the United States illegally.

12.  Whether the accused's residence is in this state, in another state or outside the United States.

C.  If a judicial officer orders the release of a defendant who is charged with a felony either on his own recognizance or on bail, the judicial officer shall condition the defendant's release on the defendant's good behavior while so released.  On a showing of probable cause that the defendant committed any offense during the period of release, a judicial officer may revoke the defendant's release pursuant to section 13‑3968.

D.  After providing notice to the victim pursuant to section 13‑4406, a judicial officer may impose any of the following conditions on a person who is released on his own recognizance or on bail:

1.  Place the person in the custody of a designated person or organization agreeing to supervise him.

2.  Place restrictions on the person's travel, associates or place of abode during the period of release.

3.  Require the deposit with the clerk of the court of cash or other security, such deposit to be returned on the performance of the conditions of release.

4.  Prohibit the person from possessing any dangerous weapon or engaging in certain described activities or indulging in intoxicating liquors or certain drugs.

5.  Require the person to report regularly to and remain under the supervision of an officer of the court.

6.  Impose any other conditions deemed reasonably necessary to assure appearance as required including a condition requiring that the person return to custody after specified hours.

E.  In addition to any of the conditions a judicial officer may impose pursuant to subsection D of this section, the judicial officer shall impose both of the following conditions on a person who is charged with a felony domestic violence offense or a felony violation of chapter 14 or 35.1 of this title and who is released on his the person's own recognizance or on bail:

1.  Electronic monitoring where available.

2.  A condition prohibiting the person from having any contact with the victim.

3.  A condition prohibiting the person from possessing a dangerous weapon.

F.  The judicial officer who authorizes the release of the person charged on his own recognizance or on bail shall do all of the following:

1.  Issue an appropriate order containing statements of the conditions imposed.

2.  Inform the person of the penalties that apply to any violation of the conditions of release.

3.  Advise the person that a warrant for his arrest may be issued immediately on any violation of the conditions of release, including the failure to submit to deoxyribonucleic acid testing ordered pursuant to paragraph 4 of this subsection.

4.  If the person is charged with a felony or misdemeanor offense listed in section 13‑610, subsection O, paragraph 3 and is summoned to appear, order the person to report within five days to the law enforcement agency that arrested the person or to the agency's designee and submit a sufficient sample of buccal cells or other bodily substances for deoxyribonucleic acid testing and extraction.  If a person does not comply with an order issued pursuant to this subsection paragraph, the court shall revoke the person's release.

G.  At any time after providing notice to the victim pursuant to section 13‑4406, the judicial officer who orders the release of a person on any condition specified in this section or the court in which a prosecution is pending may amend the order to employ additional or different conditions of release, including either an increase or reduction in the amount of bail.  On application, the defendant shall be entitled to have the conditions of release reviewed by the judicial officer who imposed them or by the court in which the prosecution is pending.  Reasonable notice of the application shall be given to the county attorney and the victim.

H.  Any information that is stated or offered in connection with any order pursuant to this section need not conform to the rules pertaining to admissibility of evidence in a court of law.

I.  This section does not prevent the disposition of any case or class of cases by forfeiture of bail or collateral security if such disposition is authorized by the court.

J.  A judicial officer who orders the release of a juvenile who has been transferred to the criminal division of the superior court pursuant to section 8‑327 or who has been charged as an adult pursuant to section 13‑501 shall notify the appropriate school district on the release of the juvenile from custody.

K.  For the purposes of this section and section 13‑3968, "judicial officer" means any person or court authorized pursuant to the constitution or laws of this state to bail or otherwise release a person before trial or sentencing or pending appeal. END_STATUTE

Sec. 4.  Title 44, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding chapter 36, to read:

CHAPTER 36

FIREARM SHOWS

ARTICLE 1.  GENERAL PROVISIONS

START_STATUTE44-7851.  Definitions

In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

1.  "Firearm" means any loaded or unloaded handgun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun or other weapon that will or is designed to or that may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive. Firearm does not include a firearm in permanently inoperable condition.

2.  "Firearm exhibitor" means any person who exhibits, sells, offers for sale, transfers or exchanges firearms.

3.  "Firearm show" means an event sponsored, whether for profit or not, by an individual or a national, state or local organization, association or other entity devoted to the collection, competitive use, sporting use or any other legal use of firearms and includes any building, structure or facility where firearms are offered for sale or transfer and any grounds used in connection with the event.  Firearm show also includes an event at which any of the following applies:

(a)  Twenty percent or more of the total number of exhibitors are firearm exhibitors.

(b)  Ten or more firearm exhibitors are participating.

(c)  A total of twenty-five or more pistols or revolvers are offered for sale or transfer.

(d)  A total of fifty or more firearms are offered for sale or transfer.

4.  "Firearm show operator" means a person who organizes, produces, sponsors or operates a firearm show. END_STATUTE

START_STATUTE44-7852.  Firearm show operation; signage; national instant criminal background checks; form maintenance

A.  During a firearm show, A firearm show operator shall do all of the following:

1.  Conspicuously post and maintain signs stating that a national instant criminal background check shall be completed before all firearm sales or transfers.  Signs shall be posted at all of the following locations:

(a)  All entrances to the firearm show.

(b)  All places where admission tickets to the firearm show are sold.

(c)  Not less than four locations within the grounds of the firearm show, not including the places prescribed by subdivisions (a) and (b) of this paragraph.

2.  Notify all firearm exhibitors in writing that a national instant criminal background check shall be completed before each firearm sale or transfer.

3.  Provide access at the firearm show to a firearm dealer licensed under federal law who is authorized to perform a national instant criminal background check if the seller or transferor of a firearm is not authorized to conduct a national instant criminal background check.  The firearm show operator shall do either of the following:

(a)  Require a firearm exhibitor who is a firearm dealer licensed under federal law and who is authorized to conduct a national instant criminal background check to provide the check at cost.

(b)  Designate a location at the firearm show where the firearm dealer prescribed by subdivision (a) of this paragraph will be present to perform the check.

B.  A firearm dealer licensed under federal law who performs a national instant criminal background check pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 3 of this section shall provide the seller or transferor of the firearm with a copy of the United States department of the treasury, bureau of alcohol, tobacco and firearms form ATF f 4473 and the dealer shall maintain the form and make the form available for inspection by law enforcement agencies for a period of ten years. END_STATUTE

START_STATUTE44-7853.  Violation; civil penalty; enforcement

A.  Except as provided in section 44-7854, a person who knowingly violates this chapter is subject to a civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars per violation.

B.  The attorney general shall enforce this chapter. END_STATUTE

START_STATUTE44-7854.  Sales of firearms at firearm shows; violation; classification

A.  If a person sells or transfers a firearm at a firearm show, the person shall:

1.  Only sell to a person who has had a national instant criminal background check conducted pursuant to section 44-7852.

2.  Comply with 18 United States Code section 922(t).

B.  A person may not offer or agree to sell or transfer a firearm to another person at a firearm show and transfer or deliver the firearm to the person or a person acting on the person's behalf at a location other than the firearm show for the purpose of avoiding compliance with this section.

C.  A person who knowingly violates this section is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor. END_STATUTE

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